Author: Allie Larkin
Release Date: Feb 26/2013
Adquired: Paperback provided by author
Goodreads: ADD
Purchase: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Indigo/Book Depository
WHY CAN’T I BE YOU takes its name from a 1987 hit song from English rock band The Cure. All her life, Jenny Shaw toed the line, striving to be the perfect colleague, girlfriend, and daughter – a path that has led her to an unhappy (though successful) career, a failed relationship, and all-but-severed family ties. On her way to the airport for her first business trip, she is unceremoniously dumped by the man she thought she would one day marry. In her haze of shock and confusion, she responds to the wrong name when Myra Aberly, organizer of Seattle ’s Mt. Si class of 1999’s thirteenth high-school reunion, shouts “Jessie!” across the hotel lobby.
In an instant, Jenny Shaw becomes Jessie Morgan, a woman to whom she bears an uncanny resemblance. She is immediately embraced by Jessie’s warm circle of friends – and gains a possible love interest. But when Jenny becomes more and more curious about Jessie’s history, she uncovers a trail of secrets, pain and deceit that inspires her to uncover the truth that will heal her own painful past.
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What an incredibly unique premise.It's been such a long time since I read a "chick-lit" book, and reading Why Can't I Be You felt like a bit like coming home after a long day. It was a light, comforting read, but packed enough impact to keep you turning the pages, and have you thinking about the content after you've turned the last one.
Jenny Shaw is far from outstanding, at least that's how she thinks of herself. Growing up, Jenny was the only child of a dysfunctional family, an outcast in elementary and high-school, and now, newly dumped by the man she convinced herself she was going to spend forever with. While away for a work conference in Seattle, Jenny is mistaken for Jessie Morgan in an elevator, by one of Jessie's best friends from childhood, Myra Aberly. The lodge Jenny is staying at turns out to be the venue for Myra and Jessie's thirteenth high-school reunion. Instead of immediately correcting Myra on her mistake, Jenny, on a whim, and running on lonely feelings, embraces her new identity, and steps directly into the shoes of someone who seems to have everything Jenny never had.
At this point, Why Can't I Be You starts picking up speed, and the events that follow are fun and nerve-wracking, in the sense that I kept waiting for someone, ANY one to realize the truth about Jenny. We're introduced to characters that I started feeling close to in such a short time. At almost the exact same time Jenny thought it, I found myself thinking "I would have loved to have friends like that growing up." They were friends that you find and hold onto with all that you have. Friends that would be there, even if your own family wasn't. I think that's what made me relate so much to Jenny's character, and what made the situation less unrealistic. While I kept wondering how likely it was that anyone could make it so far pretending to be someone else-no matter HOW much she looked like Jessie-I wanted Jenny to keep the happiness she found with Myra, Robbie, Fish and Heather.
Allie Larkin created a ridiculous situation, but with some of the most real characters, emotions and moments I have ever read. There were also moments of darkness in the story line that helped to cast out any judgmental thoughts of Jenny I had-moments that shed light onto her unstable mind state, and the motives behind her decision to carry on the charade. Larkin's writing flowed effortlessly, and didn't snag on any unnecessary bits. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, and felt like the romance aspect was sweet and believable. I already bought, and am excited to read Allie's debut novel, Stay.
Recommended for: readers and fans of chick-lit, romance and contemporary.
Jenny Shaw is far from outstanding, at least that's how she thinks of herself. Growing up, Jenny was the only child of a dysfunctional family, an outcast in elementary and high-school, and now, newly dumped by the man she convinced herself she was going to spend forever with. While away for a work conference in Seattle, Jenny is mistaken for Jessie Morgan in an elevator, by one of Jessie's best friends from childhood, Myra Aberly. The lodge Jenny is staying at turns out to be the venue for Myra and Jessie's thirteenth high-school reunion. Instead of immediately correcting Myra on her mistake, Jenny, on a whim, and running on lonely feelings, embraces her new identity, and steps directly into the shoes of someone who seems to have everything Jenny never had.
At this point, Why Can't I Be You starts picking up speed, and the events that follow are fun and nerve-wracking, in the sense that I kept waiting for someone, ANY one to realize the truth about Jenny. We're introduced to characters that I started feeling close to in such a short time. At almost the exact same time Jenny thought it, I found myself thinking "I would have loved to have friends like that growing up." They were friends that you find and hold onto with all that you have. Friends that would be there, even if your own family wasn't. I think that's what made me relate so much to Jenny's character, and what made the situation less unrealistic. While I kept wondering how likely it was that anyone could make it so far pretending to be someone else-no matter HOW much she looked like Jessie-I wanted Jenny to keep the happiness she found with Myra, Robbie, Fish and Heather.
Allie Larkin created a ridiculous situation, but with some of the most real characters, emotions and moments I have ever read. There were also moments of darkness in the story line that helped to cast out any judgmental thoughts of Jenny I had-moments that shed light onto her unstable mind state, and the motives behind her decision to carry on the charade. Larkin's writing flowed effortlessly, and didn't snag on any unnecessary bits. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, and felt like the romance aspect was sweet and believable. I already bought, and am excited to read Allie's debut novel, Stay.
Recommended for: readers and fans of chick-lit, romance and contemporary.
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Allie Larkin is the internationally bestselling author of the novel Stay, and the upcoming novel Why Can’t I Be You (2013). She lives with her husband, Jeremy, their two German Shepherds, Argo and Stella, and a three-legged cat.
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"What an incredibly unique premise" gotta agree with you :)
ReplyDeleteRight!? It really was quite different than a lot of other chick-lit I've read.
DeleteThe premise sounds amazing, definitely unique...Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem, best of luck!
DeleteI am a big fan of Chick Lit, so this book sounds like one I would like.
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Yes! You should definitely check it out. I purchased Allie's other novel entitled "Stay" today. I hope that one is just as good!
DeleteThis sounds like a book I would like. THanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletethat book lok like a great read
ReplyDelete